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BTEX composition and where to find it
BTEX are aromatic chemical compounds that include :
- benzene ;
- toluene ;
- ethylbenzene;
- xylenes.
These liquid organic compounds belong to the aromatic hydrocarbon family. BTEX are used in the manufacture of the following products and materials:
- plastic ;
- synthetic rubber ;
- fuels (unleaded gasoline) ;
- food additives ;
- medicines ;
- fragrance ;
- colorants ;
- solvents ;
- detergents ;
- pesticides, etc.
BTEX are mainly used in the following sectors:
- petrochemical industry;
- the cosmetics industry;
- the pharmacochemical industry;
- car garages ;
- gas stations, etc.
VLEP BTEX: 8-hour and short-term occupational limit value
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes are chemical compounds classified as CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction). BTEX pose risks to workers’ health and safety. Here is a list:
- highly flammable liquid and vapour ;
- potentially fatal if swallowed or enters the respiratory tract ;
- serious risks to organs through repeated or prolonged exposure ;
- skin irritation ;
- drowsiness or dizziness.
Decree no. 2019-1487 of December 27, 2019 sets binding OELVs for BTEX. Occupational exposure limit values for these hydrocarbons are expressed :
- by weight, i.e. in mg/m³ ;
- by volume, i.e. in ppm or parts per million for gases and vapors.
- Occupational exposure limit values for benzene VLEP-8h = 3.25 mg/m³ or 1 ppm.
- Occupational exposure limit values for toluene OEL-8h = 76.8 mg/m³ or 20 ppm ;Short-term OEL (STEL 15 min) = 384 mg/m³ or 100 ppm.
- Occupational exposure limit values for ethylbenzene OEL-8h = 88.4 mg/m³ or 20 ppm ;Short-term OEL (STEL 15 min) = 442 mg/m³ or 100 ppm.
- Occupational exposure limit values for xylenes OEL-8h = 221 mg/m³ or 50 ppm ;Short-term OEL (STEL 15 min) = 442 mg/m³ or 100 ppm.
VLEP BTEX: restrictive occupational exposure limit values
The TLVs for BTEX, like a large proportion of the mandatory TLVs, are set out inArticle R. 4412-149 of the French Labor Code. These values represent thresholds for the average concentration of chemical compounds not to be exceeded in the workplace atmosphere.
As part of the risk preventioncompanies are obliged to carry out annual VLEP checks via a COFRAC-accredited organization. When assessing employee exposure to pollutants in the workplace, VLEPs are used as reference values.
What forms do BTEX come in and how can they be treated?
BTEX are generally in gaseous form and can be treated by activated carbon filtration.
